A risk assessment, also known as a workplace evaluation, is a systematic analysis of all potential hazards in the workplace. It identifies dangers and establishes appropriate protective measures. This evaluation aims to mitigate potential sources of danger before they lead to accidents or health problems.
When is a risk assessment required?
Risk assessments are mandatory for every employer in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, regardless of industry – even if you only have one employee (DE Arbeitsschutzgesetz, AT ArbeitnehmerInnenschutzgesetz, CH Arbeitsgesetz links in German). You must complete the risk assessment before starting any work activity and update it regularly: whenever work materials, procedures, or equipment change, after accidents or near misses, and following incidents involving increased psychological stress.
Risk assessments are critical in high-risk industries – whether dealing with physical, biological, or chemical hazards, dangerous equipment, or long working hours. Critical areas include cleaning, maintenance, and repair work on façades, roofs, cranes, machinery, wind turbines, and other exposed workplaces. Falls in these environments can have severe or fatal consequences, which is why safety regulations are particularly strict.
What's the difference between hazard, risk, and danger?
A hazard is a potential source of harm, whilst danger represents actual, immediate harm. Risk refers to the likelihood that a hazard will cause danger. A risk assessment determines this likelihood, to eliminate or mitigate all risks from the outset through suitable protective measures.
Risk assessments form the basis for developing a comprehensive safety plan with all necessary protective measures.
Creating a risk assessment
A professional risk assessment follows a clear, structured plan. It’s an essential tool in workplace safety, as even a small oversight can cause an accident. In Austria, risk assessments are based on the proven Austrian Workers' Compensation Board’s 5-step process from the AUVA (German only).
1. Define work areas: Workplaces are systematically divided into manageable sections.
2. Identify hazards: Potential sources of harm, such as unprotected edges, trip hazards, and adverse weather conditions are identified.
3. Assess risk: Hazards are evaluated according to EU-OSHA Standards.
4. Establish measures: Protective measures are prioritised using the STOP principle – , technical, organisational, and personal measures.
5. Document and monitor: Documentation is maintained as an ongoing process and reviewed regularly.
Thorough documentation is just as important as carrying out the assessment itself.
Documentation
requirements:
A risk assessment involves more than simply identifying hazards; comprehensive documentation is equally essential. This documentation is legally required in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, where authorities and accident insurance providers rely on it during compliance audits.
What does complete documentation include?
Without complete documentation, a workplace evaluation is considered incomplete, potentially leading to legal consequences. Documentation creates transparency whilst connecting analysis with action – protective measures can only be reliably implemented and monitored when properly recorded, enabling continuous improvement over time.
Risk assessment checklist
- Identified hazards and risks with the evaluation method,
- Established measures and responsibilities (including the STOP principle),
- Schedules and evidence such as training records, inspection protocols, or maintenance logs,
- Regular updates after accidents, changes, or new procedures.
Practical examples from different industries
Risk assessments look different across industries. These examples show how systematic risk analysis leads to innovative and effective workplace safety.
Mechanical engineering
When maintaining machinery at height—such as production lines or conveyor systems—fall protection is essential. AUVA's 2023 accident statistics recorded 19,598 workplace accidents from trips and falls, with 5,590 involving falls from height on structures and equipment. These figures underscore why modern machine safety integrates permanent protective devices directly into system design rather than relying on temporary solutions. The BARRIER-MACHINE-SAFEGUARDING-SYSTEM can be adapted to meet different industrial sector requirements, protecting workers by providing barriers at hazardous edges on machinery.
Facility management
Cleaning and maintaining windows on upper floors presents significant fall risks. Open windows and wall openings create hazards when workers must reach outside to perform their tasks. AUVA statistics show high accident rates in relevant sectors: 54 accidents per 1,000 employees in construction and 39 per 1,000 in commercial services. With workplace accidents costing Austrian companies an average of €5,000 each, professional window safety systems offer both essential protection and cost savings. The Modular Window Safety (MFS) system provides flexible protection through telescopic poles that adjust to different window widths, with installation options including temporary clamps or permanent fixings.
Roofing work
Roofers, solar installers, and maintenance personnel regularly work close to fall edges. Horizontal cable systems like the AIO-LIFELENE-SYSTEM-PASSABLE effectively secure roof edges. For more complex roof structures with slopes or transitions between horizontal and vertical areas, rail systems like TAURUS ALLROUND provide continuous protection without unhooking PPE. All systems require professional installation and complete documentation of anchor points.
BARRIER-MACHINE-SAFEGUARDING-SYSTEM
Guardrail system for machinery
The BARRIER-MACHINE-SAFEGUARDING guardrail system is used wherever fall edges on machinery or in an industrial environment have to be secured. The guardrail system is so flexible that it is possible to individually solve the ...
MFS SYSTEM
MFS modular fall prevention system for windows
The MFS modular fall prevention system for windows is used wherever a fall risk exists at open windows or wall openings. Regardless whether for standard windows, windows with demanding dimensions, wall openings, or windows in listed buildings, ...
AIO ROPE SYSTEM - PASSABLE, NON-PASSABLE
All-in-one lifeline system, passable, non-passable
The AIO-ÜBERFAHRBAR lifeline system is used wherever a horizontal surface needs to be secured. Whether along roofs, facades, in industry or in conjunction with photovoltaics, it provides optimum protection against fall (from ...
TAURUS-ALLROUND
Rail system for all-round use
The TAURUS ALLROUND rail system combines the application range and benefits of TAURUS HORIZONTAL and VERTICAL in the form of a flowing transition between horizontal and vertical movement. Regardless whether industrial buildings, ...
Common mistakes in risk assessments
Despite good intentions, many risk assessments fail due to avoidable mistakes. The most common errors include:
- Incomplete evaluation: Often, no workplace evaluation is conducted at all, or only for certain areas – some areas are mistakenly considered "safe" and excluded, which frequently leads to accidents.
- Underestimating risks: Hazards are dismissed as "always been there, never happened," which means necessary protection measures are neglected.
- Over-reliance on standard solutions: Many companies turn to ready-made solutions too quickly, even though most workplaces require tailored measures – templates from the internet are rarely sufficient.
The biggest problem, however, is failure to implement: Measures stay on paper while, for example, personal protective equipment against falls is never actually provided. Without monitoring and follow-up, safety remains theoretical.
Where to get help with risk assessments in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland
Safety standards are comparable across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, though each country has specific workplace safety regulations. These institutions offer free advice and practical tools:
- Austria: Die AUVA offers over 400 industry-specific model evaluations and free advice through prevention centres.
- Germany: The DGUV provides comprehensive risk assessment guidelines and industry-specific support tools.
- Switzerland: SUVA offers tools specifically designed for small businesses to identify hazards.
Our experts are also available for specific questions about risk assessments and safety solutions. With identified hazards and appropriate measures in place, you can ensure no one comes to harm.
The importance
of employee training
Employees working in hazardous areas must be professionally qualified and confident in using the protective measures at their workplace.
This requires targeted training on the correct use of all protective measures and safety equipment. For example, façade cleaners must know how to properly put on personal protective equipment against falls and secure themselves safely before starting work.
Similar specific requirements apply to all work involving fall hazards – from maintenance on wind turbines to cleaning roofs with PV systems.
Costs and benefits of risk assessments
Investing in safety is proven to be worth it – research from Germany's DGUV shows that prevention delivers a positive return on investment. Put simply: every euro spent on safety saves more money long-term than it costs. When you consider the ongoing costs of workplace accidents – production downtime, temporary staff, insurance premiums, and administration – investing in permanent protection systems is relatively modest.
Legal consequences of non-compliance
Employers who don't carry out risk assessments, or only do them partially, face fines in Germany of up to €5,000 per violation. Other workplace safety breaches bring additional penalties: failing to train employees properly, inadequate escape routes, or missing fall protection can each result in fines up to €10,000.
Things get much more serious when accidents actually happen. If someone gets injured and it's linked to a missing or inadequate risk assessment, you could face criminal charges. On top of that, accident insurance providers can claim compensation from employers when negligence clearly caused the accident.
Conclusion
Systematic risk assessments are the foundation of effective workplace safety and protect you from legal consequences and costly accidents. A professional risk analysis using the 5-step procedure pays for itself after the first prevented accident, as incidents can cost between €20,000 and €50,000. Success depends on tailored protective measures, comprehensive documentation, and regular employee training. With support from AUVA, DGUV, and SUVA, companies in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland can create sustainable protection for their employees whilst securing their financial future.
What happens if I don't do a risk assessment?
Without a proper risk assessment, you face fines, sanctions, and potentially criminal charges. In Germany, fines reach up to €5,000 per violation, with additional penalties up to €10,000 for other workplace safety breaches. If accidents occur, accident insurance providers can also claim compensation.
What types of risk assessment are there?
There's a general risk assessment that covers your whole workplace, plus specific assessments for particular hazards like dangerous substances, equipment, facilities, and psychological stress. What you need depends entirely on your business and what risks your employees face.
Can anyone do a risk assessment?
No – only qualified professionals can carry out risk assessments. This includes occupational safety specialists, occupational health physicians, or people with relevant training and experience. Ultimate responsibility remains with the employer.
How much does it cost to create a risk assessment?
It varies. External consultants typically charge from around €500 per workplace they assess. If you're running a smaller business, you might be able to use free tools provided by accident insurance organisations, or handle it in-house if you've got someone with the right expertise.
How often do I need to update my risk assessment?
Risk assessments must be reviewed regularly and updated whenever work materials, procedures, or equipment change. Updates are mandatory after accidents, near misses, or incidents involving increased psychological stress.
What is the STOP principle for protective measures?
The STOP principle prioritises protective measures in this order: Substitution (replace the hazard), Technical measures (e.g. guardrails), Organisational measures (e.g. work procedures), and Personal measures (e.g. personal protective equipment against falls). More on this topic in the wiki article on the STOP principle.
